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Tools and tips for managers |
Address anxieties and move forward in tough times
By Analisa NazarenoWhen the economy is deteriorating and when entire industries – such as the automobile, newspaper or financial industries today – experience disruptive change, it is natural for employees to focus on their own anxieties. That makes it difficult to execute business strategy, at a time when strong execution is vital.
To help their organizations stay focused on mission, vision and goals, leaders must:
- Come to peace with their personal issues and concerns.
- Look for strategic changes that not only address the new economic realities, but take advantage of them.
- Engage in consistent and honest communication with employees.
“When you get down to the individual level, the first question asked is, ‘With all of this disruption, what does this mean for me? How is this going to affect my life? What’s going to happen to my job,’” said Larry Olmstead, president of Leading Edge Associates, which helps executives and organizations manage change. Read more
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WHAT'S
NEW: LEA WEBINAR
The New Multiculturalism Tuition: FREE The election of Barack Obama changes the game. It underscores a shift in America to a new culture where traditional thinking about age, race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation and religion is giving way to new dynamics around power and networking.
LEA Facilitator: Larry Olmstead |
Discretionary power to help or hinder diversity efforts
By Jacqui Love MarshallI have delivered diversity training to thousands – from firefighters to corporate officers, from journalism students to executive editors. From years of conducting training, three certainties I know: One: Diversity-aware behavior cannot be legislated or dictated because Two: Diversity is a very personal issue and Three: Diversity is contextual, influenced by time & situation. Read more
Ask The Expert
Q: What is appropriate behavior during the company holiday party?
Gail Shih, a human resources executive in Northern California, guides us through the perils and pleasures, the dos and don'ts of holiday observations in the workplace. Read more
We want to hear your questions on management, finance and workplace issues! Click here to contact us.
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Top Picks: Thriving Through ChangeBy Elaine Beich, ASTD Press, 2007 You’ve heard all the theories about leading change, but now you must implement real-life initiatives, just as the economic crisis has turned your competitive environment topsy-turvy. Where do you start? Try this immensely practical and helpful book. Elaine Biech is known in the field as “a trainer’s trainer,” and she has distilled the principles of many top academicians into an accessible guide that takes you step-by-step through what she describes as the “six steps of change.” You will learn how to challenge the current state, get your leadership aligned behind the change strategy, assess change readiness and design, and implement and evaluate your plan. There are exercises, worksheets, and even a CD. This is a one-stop resource that any good manager will find useful. - Larry Olmstead |
Helpful Links
- Wireless and the Future of the Newspaper Business –This special report from the Newspaper Association of America and CTIA - The Wireless Association describes how newspapers can respond to the rapid growth in use of browser-equipped cell phone devices.
- How to Keep Healthy at Work – This article, featured in The American Lawyer, offers some helpful advice to those experiencing workplace anxiety and job stress. While the author wrote for an audience of lawyers, the counsel is applicable to anyone experiencing unease about workplace issues or the economy.
- Working Your Organization's Network – GuideStar, a nonprofit organization that collects and disseminates intelligence on the management and finances of nonprofit organizations, offers advice on creating and using organizational networks for hiring.
- Portfolio: “Oh, Behave!” – Condé Nast's Portfolio magazine offers its guidance on appropriate office party behavior. See our “Ask The Expert” profile for our partner's take on this hot topic.
UPCOMING LEA EVENTS
WebinarThe New Multiculturalism |
SeminarDigital Leadership |
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Edgeline is published the second Tuesday of each month by Leading Edge Associates, a consulting firm engaged in management training, organizational change, succession planning, executive coaching, diversity and media. Analisa Nazareno, editor of Edgeline, can be reached at analisan@leadingedgeassociates.net.
© 2008 Leading Edge Associates. All rights reserved.